A product like wrapping paper lends an interesting perspective on the real meaning of Christmas. When God sent His only Son into this world, His purpose was not to give us a pretty package to gaze upon. Jesus willingly left His Glory in heaven and came to earth, clothed with our humanity, knowing that his purpose was to die for our sins. Sacrifice, not self-prevention, was the Savior's goal. And He accomplished it to the glory of God. This season, please ponder over the lesson of the wrapping paper. As you think how it is torn to reveal a gift, let it remind you of the Savior's sacrifice on the cross so that you can receive eternal life, the priceless gift of God.

Two thousand years ago, there were no earthly plans for celebrating Jesus' birth. Quietly and unannounced, Joseph and Mary entered Bethlehem and searched for a place to spend the night. It was a busy time in the Judean village, but the excitement had nothing to do with the upcoming birth. The crowds had gathered to take part in a census. They didn't know that Mary was about to deliver the Savior. As the year 2004 approaches, the story has changed. There are serious discussions going on about how Bethlehem can get ready for the estimated four million tourists converging on the Israeli city during Christmas. One estimate put the price tag at $3.5 billion to prepare for the big day. What a contrast to that first Christmas! It's almost as if people want to make up for missing His birth. Yet, a proper preparation has nothing to do with money or motels or shrines. It's a matter of the heart.

One Christmas I saw a cartoon that showed a boy gazing into a store window at a sign that read : Have the best Christmas ever! Thoughtfully, he said, "It's pretty hard to top the first one."

Once again, Christmas this year will be unavoidably sad for many people, perhaps for you. Take heart! Christmas needn't be merry to be meaningful. It's the Christ of Christmas we celebrate, not Christmas itself.

And after Christmas, if you're going back to work, what will you take with you from Christmas? A few gifts and some warm holiday memories, or something more? Have you encountered Christ this Christmas, perhaps through His word or a new appreciation of His coming? When someone asks, "How was your holiday?" What will you say? You can go back to work with joy and a word of witness to others -- glorifying and praising God for everything you have heard and seen. And do take the joy of Christmas with you everyday.

It is not surprising when we realise that at no other time of the year do we focus so much attention on a single theme as during the Christmas season. The fictional character of Santa Claus has become an integral part of the celebration in our culture because he symbolises gift-giving, the centerpiece of most holiday gatherings, what many people believe in at Christmas is the spirit of giving. As admirable as that spirit may be, there is something more grand and life-changing to believe. At Christmas we need to focus on truths like these :

The prophecies of Jesus' birth (Isa. 7:14; 9:1-7)

The miracle of Jesus' conception (Mt. 1:18)

The perfection of the holy Christ-child (Lk. 1:35)

The mission of that baby boy (Mt. 1:21)

The Creator of the world miraculously became man on that first Christmas morning so He could provide us with the gift of eternal life. Now, that's something to believe in at Christmas.